Bill Raynor’s memoir- Why Black Men Nod At Each Other- explores the themes of education, athletics, coming of age and culture. Raynor takes the reader on an honest and passionate journey which navigates the road from Boston’s Mission Hill and Whittier Street housing projects, to the halls of Dartmouth College, then on to his international travels around the globe. Bill highlights the insidious nature of racism, the importance of purpose, the power of athletic competition, and the brotherhood of men of color. Raynor’s experiences as a student, athlete, coach, educator, artist, and higher education administrator detail how each of those roles shaped his personal philosophy. Raynor’s insights into the shared experiences of men of color are encouragement for all to continue to do the uncomfortable work of removing walls that are used to separate and assist in building bridges to common humanity.
Reviews
Having worked with Bill for a few years when he was coaching at MassBay Community College, I had the opportunity to see how he interacted with his players, spoke to them, the lessons he tried to teach. The variety of supports he provided them. They were not the interactions I was used to seeing from a coach towards their players.
Reading 'Why Black Men Nod At Each Other' provided a look into Bill's life experiences. These experiences guided him in the care and support he provided to all.
During this reading you really felt like you were there with him as he carried you through his story, It's a page turner for sure. I wasn't born yet during Coach's adolescents and it gives me a sense of history and excitement to hear about streets and corners that i walk today and what used to be of it. It also shows how much change there is in the city which i find interest to learn about. My biggest takeaway from this reading is the amount and courage, bravery and endurance it takes to be US!
Bill,
I really enjoyed your new book: "Why Black Men Nod at Each Other".
It is very readable & interesting memoir. It saddened me as to how difficult your personal experiences were growing up in Roxbury and your life after high school; however, I am proud of you for your many social and academic achievements and efforts around helping people and working to educate people on social injustice. Congratulations on writing a bold, courageous, candid and thoughtful book.
Bill has written a really important book. He writes on universal themes from his own very personal perspective. Because the book covers his truly interesting life, and because he shares a great deal of himself, it's a page-turner. But it's much more than that. It's a meditation on life, society, spirituality, and yes race; that really got me thinking.
Thank you Bill, for taking me on your journey.
Why Black men nod at each other is one of those intangible things packed with so much meaning. The communication of safety and the acknowledgement of one's self worth is epitomized in one subtle gesture and relatable in black and brown communities around the world.